The ruling Liberal Democratic Party decided Thursday to propose the first reorganization of ministries and agencies since 2001, including the splitting up of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
The plan is aimed at beefing up policymaking ability while adapting to contemporary needs. The current structure of 13 ministries and agencies is seen by advocates of the plan as unfit for properly responding to changes in social and economic situations.
The LDP Administrative Reform Promotion Headquarters, headed by former minister in charge of administrative reform Akira Amari, is expected to compile a proposal and submit it to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as early as this month.